Lineman Cameron Bradfield isn't letting NFL dreams get in way of leading Grand Valley State

Grand Rapids Press File PhotoCameron Bradfield anchors an offensive line that has helped the Lakers average 463.7 yards per game this season.

ALLENDALE -- For the record, Cameron Bradfield's entire focus is on the Grand Valley State football team.

But the Lakers' mammoth left tackle acknowledged he occasionally catches a glimpse of the Green Bay Packers -- whose roster includes former GVSU All-American lineman Nick McDonald -- and lets his mind wander to dreams of the NFL.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't, but I'm a long way from that right now," Bradfield said. "We have a lot more football left to go this season. I'll take care of that stuff when the time comes."

The former Creston High School standout is the anchor of the Lakers' offensive line, which has helped No. 1-ranked GVSU average 463.7 yards per game.

"Guys have commented that they like him. I think he's probably right now a late-round guy to definitely a free agent," Mitchell said. "I'll be shocked if he's not in a (NFL training) camp as a free agent. Whatever happens from there is up to him."

The future is bright for a player who came to campus 70 pounds lighter, was recruited as a tight end and had a solid high school basketball career.

In fact, Mitchell still remembers visiting Creston to watch Bradfield play basketball during the recruiting process.

"I think he'd be the first to admit it, he was playing tight end, a little D-end, and maybe was more interested in his basketball career than his football career," Mitchell said. "But we got him here and he's done a great job developing himself."

Bradfield said it wasn't an easy switch. He was redshirted his first two years as he learned his new position.

But former Lakers coach Chuck Martin liked his frame, and Bradfield still isn't sure how he was able to pack on that much weight.

"It was a hard transition. It's hard to hear as a tight end, you think of yourself as being real athletic," Bradfield said. "But as of now, I have no complaints."

In 2008, his first season as a starter at right tackle, he was named the Lakers' most improved offensive player. Last year, he made the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first team and was an Associated Press third-team All-American.

He moved to left tackle this season and is a big reason the Lakers average 238 yards rushing per game, good for ninth in Division II, and 6.53 yards per carry, which is best in the country.

Bradfield has taken on more of a leadership role this season -- like McDonald, Brandon Barnes, Sam Allen and others before him -- and is pleased with how the offensive line is performing, but added that it still has room to grow.

"We usually had someone on the offensive line that's been a focal point," Bradfield said. "In the past, I haven't been that guy. But as a senior, I've had to take on that role. I took the role on in camp with open arms, and I'm just trying to see how far I can help lead the team."

The Lakers have several new starters on the line in different positions, and offensive line coach Tim Morrison is in his first year with the team.

Bradfield's experience and leadership has provided a steadying influence as those transitions were made.

"Cam's been the anchor wherever he's played. It's kind of been a luxury that he's been out there every single game at left tackle," Mitchell said. "He's taking care of his business and making us a better football team by helping coaches and players out."